[Laser Doppler flowmetry--a new promising technique for assessment of the microcirculation]

The laser Doppler flowmetry is a new technique for evaluating microcirculation. It is based on the Doppler phenomenon-reflected light changes its frequency when it interacts with moving objects such as red blood cells. The source of light is 2 mW He-Ne laser. The light penetrates into the tissue to the depth of 1 mm, and measures microvascular blood flow throughout it. This technique is objective, harmless even during prolonged exposition, repeatable, and very sensitive even to small changes in the blood flow. Because of difficulties with determination of the perfusion normal values and several factors disturbing microcirculation, the most objective results are obtained with dynamic tests. They measure a response of microcirculation to local ischemia, cooling or given medicines. A disadvantage is its high sensitivity to motion-produced disturbances. Laser Doppler flowmetry may be used not only in scientific investigations. It is of diagnostic value in plastic surgery, vascular surgery, dermatology, internal medicine, dentistry, and neurology.